Enjoy sightseeing along with hot springs! A journey through tourist spots around Harazuru Onsen

Harazuru Onsen, located in Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is known as a “hot spring of beauty.” It can be accessed by car in about an hour from Hakata. Around Harazuru Onsen, there are attractions such as the Kōzan Shōryū Great Kannon and general stores, and you can also tour a beer factory. Since you can enjoy not only the hot springs but also sightseeing, it's perfect for families. Here, we’ll introduce the charming Harazuru Onsen and recommended tourist spots in the area.

1. Kōzan Shōryū Great Kannon

The "Kōzan Shōryū Great Kannon," including its pedestal, boasts a height of 28 meters and is the largest ascending dragon Kannon statue in Japan. Known as a spiritual power spot, it is said to bring blessings such as good fortune and wealth. It’s believed that circling the Kannon statue twice will bring protection and safeguard one from misfortune.

The temple grounds offer more than just the Kannon statue. The red and white “seven-day candles” are lit to fulfill wishes—red for household safety, and white for prayers to society. You can also take home the underground water called “Kinkōsui” (Golden Fragrant Water) for free, making it a popular stop for visitors. Since the Kōzan Shōryū Great Kannon is on a hill, you can enjoy views of the Chikugo Plain and Chikugo River from the observatory. This is a highly recommended sightseeing spot full of spiritual energy.

2. Asakura Triple Waterwheels

The Asakura Triple Waterwheels are still in active use today, irrigating farmland. They are known as the oldest operating waterwheels, installed over 230 years ago. The largest wheel among them is 4.8 meters tall. Together with the Horikawa Water Channel, they were designated as national historic sites in 1990. These waterwheels are rebuilt every five years by local craftsmen, continuing the legacy of traditional techniques. Visiting during the farming season is recommended, as the spinning wheels are a staple of the summer scene.


Every year during the Obon season, the waterwheels are lit up at night, offering a different atmosphere than what you see during the day. There’s also another waterwheel located in a nearby park just a short walk away—worth checking out.

3. Harazuru Music Box House

“Harazuru Music Box House” features a mountain lodge-style building filled with ornate music boxes. In addition to purchasing pre-made music boxes, you can also enjoy a hands-on experience creating your own original one.
You can choose your favorite tune from about 125 melodies. With over 500 parts including photo frames and decorations to select from, you may have a hard time deciding on your design. You’re also allowed to bring your own decorations for free. This spot is perfect for both experienced crafters and beginners.

4. Ukiha Inari Shrine

Located within Jōgahana Park, Ukiha Inari Shrine enshrines three deities transferred from Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto’s Matsuo Taisha, and Dazaifu Tenmangū. Prayers for business prosperity, sake brewing, health, bountiful harvests, academics, and long life make this a popular power spot frequently visited by worshippers.
The main highlight is the view from the main hall. With rows of bright red torii gates set against lush green rice fields, it’s a photogenic scene. To see this breathtaking view, you’ll need to climb about 300 steps—but the scenery at the top is worth the effort. Ukiha Inari Shrine is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot. It's about a 20-minute walk from Ukiha Station and a 10-minute drive from Harazuru Onsen town.

5. Kirin Brewery Fukuoka Plant

About a 30-minute drive from Harazuru Onsen, the Kirin Brewery Fukuoka Plant produces most of the Kirin Beer consumed in Kyushu. The approximately one-hour free factory tour is popular and lets you fully experience the charm of beer. You can observe the brewing process, sample wort, taste malt, and smell hops.

There is also a restaurant inside the factory inspired by a Southern German farm. The beer-simmered beef dish is especially popular. You can also enjoy Genghis Khan (grilled lamb), beer yeast bread, and other beer-friendly or beer-based dishes. Drinking freshly brewed beer is a treat. The outdoor scenery is also wonderful—poppies and cosmos bloom across the vast 70,000-square-meter grounds, which are well worth seeing. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the facility offers a variety of events and campaigns. Be sure to check them out according to your travel schedule.

The outdoor scenery is also wonderful—poppies and cosmos bloom across the vast 70,000-square-meter grounds, which are well worth seeing. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the facility offers a variety of events and campaigns. Be sure to check them out according to your travel schedule.

6. White-Walled Townscape Walk

Yoshii Town has long prospered as a post town, and around 70 white-walled buildings line the former Bungo Highway route. The area gives you the feeling of stepping back in time. There are parking lots, restaurants, and souvenir shops, and it’s easier to explore with a map from the tourist information center. It’s a great spot for photography and videography too. With a relaxed walking pace, it’s an excellent sightseeing option for families.

◎ In Closing: Enjoy Hot Springs and Sightseeing at the Same Time!

Harazuru Onsen is a high-quality beauty hot spring, so when traveling or going on an outing, be sure to enjoy the baths. It is mildly alkaline and contains sulfur, helping to remove old skin and offering whitening benefits. Driving is recommended for sightseeing. The "Little Kyoto of Chikuzen," Akizuki, is also about a 40-minute drive from Harazuru Onsen town. Relieve your daily fatigue at Harazuru Onsen and enjoy a wonderful trip visiting local attractions.